europe Trip with ursula
Friday, May 27 to Sunday, june 12
(16 nights)
May 2 - Update
Hello,
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I present to you the updated outline of your trip to Europe with Ursula Hosting. This plan now had specifics about your reservations and additional details you will need. In the next couple of weeks it will continue to be updated as needed.
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Take your time going through this and let me know if you have any questions
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Itinerary & Transportation
Croatia - Italy - Greece. Starting travel on Thursday, May 27.
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Thursday, May 27 - New York City to Dubrovnik
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Departing Thursday - Arriving Friday
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Janelle & Chandra:
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​Lufthansa German Airlines (LH 7602)
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Departing at 7:30pm (EWR)
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Arriving at 12:10PM in Dubrovnic.​
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Shuttle from the Airport
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Driver will be waiting for you with a sign outside the airport, arrivals area. Hotel staff will be waiting for you at a meeting point to help you walk to the hotel after being dropped off. (Hotel is inside the old town, where cars are not allowed)
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(June 1st) Shuttle to the Airport
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1:00 PM - Please confirm time with hotel staff. They could also help you with luggage to get to meeting/pick area.
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You can catch an Uber or local taxi to and from the Cruise.
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Five nights in Croatia:
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Two nights in Dubrovnik (hotel)
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​One night before the cruise, and one after, so you can rest and prepare for next flight.
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Three night cruise in Catamaran​
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Wednesday, June 1- Dubrovnik to Rome ​​
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Direct flight from Dubrovnik (DBV) to Rome (FCO)​:
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​Departing at 3:50 PM - Arriving at 5:10 PM
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Vueling (VY6737)
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Booking Code: KD6RGP (Under Chandra's name)
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Includes priority boarding, flex plan, insurance for cancellation and other unforeseen situations (medical, extended stay)
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Personal item, Small carry on, 50 lbs checked bag
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Shuttle from the Airport - After passport control, and baggage claim head to Arrivals (Terminal 1,, Exit 3). Driver will be waiting for you with sign at the arrivals area.
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Driver Contact: +39 320 164 8682​
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You can catch an Uber or local taxi to the Roma Termini to catch the train the day of your departure. Try to be there at least 30-45 minutes before
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One night in Rome:
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​1 night in boutique hotel located in the heart of Rome
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Thursday, June 2 - Rome to Florence
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Train from Rome (Roma Termini) to Florence (Firenze S. M. Novella)
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​Departing at 3:25 PM - Arriving 5:11 PM
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Booking Code: 1029560849
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Business Class: More space, spacious reclining leather seats. Welcome service with complimentary snacks and drinks, Individual electrical sockets. Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi and access to the Frecce Portal. Screen for travel info and entertainment. Café/Snack Bar Service (in coach 3).​
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You can take a taxi or order an Uber from and to the train station. The address is Borgo S. Jacopo, 5, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. If needed, you can share these driving directions in Italian with the driver.
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You might need to be dropped off at the corner, as the street is mostly pedestrian only.​
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Four nights in Florence:
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​4 nights in Apartment located in the heart of Florence.
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Monday, June 6 - Florence to Venice
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Train from Florence (Firenze S. M. Novella) to Venice (Venezia S. Lucia)
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Departing at 1:20 PM - Arriving 3:34 PM
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Booking Code: 1029561194
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Business Class: More space, spacious reclining leather seats. Welcome service with complimentary snacks and drinks, Individual electrical sockets. Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi and access to the Frecce Portal. Screen for travel info and entertainment. Café/Snack Bar Service (in coach 3).​
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Water Taxi from the train Station
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​Once you arrive, please contact +39 347 37 75 411 to confirm you arrived. Reservation is under Janelle's name.
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Water taxi will then be waiting for you at boarding area Here.
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Water Taxi to the Airport (June 7)
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Water taxi will be waiting for you at the hotel's dock at 5pm.​
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The water taxi will drop you off at the landing dock of the airport. Walk from there to the terminals is 5-6 minutes.
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One night in Venice:
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​1 night in classic hotel in the heart of Venice.
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Tuesday - June 7 - Venice to Santorini​
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Direct flight from Venice (VCE) to Santorini (JTR)​:
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​Departing at 8:05 PM - Arriving at 11:30 PM
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Volotea (V7 1456)
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Booking Code: EEC9GE (Under Chandra's name)
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Includes flex plan, and priority boarding.​
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Personal item, Small carry on, 44 lbs checked bag
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Chandra's Transfer from the airport.
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Driver will be waiting for you with a sign out side the airport. Drop off will be near the hotel. Hotel staff will be waiting for you to welcome you. ​
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Brandon, Adam, Devon, and Charly's Transfer from the Airport
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Driver will be waiting for you with a sign out side the airport. Drop off will be near the hotel. Hotel staff will be waiting for you to welcome you. ​
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Five nights in Oia, Santorini:
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​Staying in Villa in the middle of the village with view of the "Caldera" / Sea
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Sunday, June 12 - Santorini to New York ​
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Chandra and Devon's Flight is at 8:20 AM, Ryanair (FR1233)
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Transfer to the Airport is at 6:00 AM. Please go to same meeting point as arrival. Driver will be waiting.
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Transfer Service contact No: + 30 697 791 4720
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Adam and Brandon's Flight is at 11:35 AM, Aegean Airlines (Aegean 355)
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Transfer to the Airport is at 9:00 AM. Please go to same meeting point as arrival. Driver will be waiting.
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Transfer Service contact No: + 30 697 791 4720
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Charly's flight is at 13:55 PM, Air France (FR1041)
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.Transfer to the Airport is at 11:00 AM. Please go to same meeting point as arrival. Driver will be waiting.
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Shuttle is coordinated with hostess, Maria.
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Accommodations & Activities
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Dubrovnik (Coratia)
COVID Country Information
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Dubrovnik has a beautiful old downtown and offers a large variety of options for restaurants, shops, tours, and more.
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Check out this page by your hotel, with information about the city and main attractions.
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HOTEL
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You will be staying at Bota Palace the first and the last night. Beautiful B&B in Old Town.
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Location: 2 Široka ulica, Old Town
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Deluxe King Room. Breakfast is included
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You could leave a couple of your bags at the hotel while you go on your cruise.
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CRUISE
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Your Catamaran Cruise is run by Huck Finn Croatia. This is a 3 Night cruise that departs from Dubrovnik, more specifically from Komolac, a town next to Dubrovnik.
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Highly rated cruise that includes stops in islands, and opportunities to do outdoor activities.
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Breakfast and equipment for activities are included(Biking, kayaking, etc),
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Lunch and Dinner will be on your own, but crew will give recommendations daily.
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You will also have the option to do additional tours at an additional cost.
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You would have a private room (two single beds) with ensuite bathroom. ​
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The Itinerary is:
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Day One : Dubrovnik (Komolac) - Kolocep Island - Lopud and Sipan islands
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Day Two : Lopud and Sipan islands - Mljet Island National Park - Peljesac Peninsula
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Day Three: Peljesac Peninsula - Broce and Ston
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Day Four: Ston - Elaphiti Islands - Back to Komolac again
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Booking Reference: BR-874255426
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Provider's phone number: +385 (0)1 618 3333
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Boarding time is 10 AM. Meeting point is at Tenturija ul, located in Komolac, This is next to hotel Vimbula. You can get there by taxi or Uber. Please note this is not the marina, but close by in Tenturija bb.
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You can get assistance from the hotel staff as needed.
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Read this document with useful Information. It contain suggestions on what to bring, what to expect, and more.
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NOTE: You will need 80 Euros each in cash to pay for Port Fees.
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Rome, Italy
COVID Country Information
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Italian Capital. Beautiful city with very walkable center. You will have almost 24HR in this city. Make the most of it.
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Check out this page by your hotel, with information about the city and main attractions
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HOTEL
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You will be staying at Argentina Residenza Style Hotel , a boutique hotel in the heart of Roma.
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Location: Via di Torre Argentina, 47, Roma
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Deluxe Suite. (Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19))
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Note: 12 Euros will be collected at check in
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No scheduled activities in this location.
Florence, Italy
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Florence is full of history, beautiful architecture, and tons of wine and good food! You have 3 fun activities, and still plenty of time to explore the city.
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Check out this page by your host with their recommendations for food,, nightlife, and essentials
APARTMENT​
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You will be staying in a beautiful apartment, strategically located near main attractions, but far enough from the large tourist crowds.
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You will be taking a taxi from the station. If needed, you can share these driving directions in Italian with the driver. You will need to be dropped off at the corner, as the street is mostly pedestrian only.​
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​Two Bedrooms, One bath. Many restaurants and cafes located around.
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Please note, I am providing all your travel information to the host, but they might still try to contact you before to coordinate.
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Exact check-in information will be provided 2 days before the reservation, and added here.
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ACTIVITIES
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Wine Tasting - Part I. - June 3rd, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
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This will be a chance to experience the old centre of rural life of Chianti, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. It will take place in a small village, Santa Christina. Then, walking through vineyards to will reach the Torcibrencoli winery. You will then visit the cellar, to hear about the process of wine and oil making. You will then taste 4 organic wines, olive oil, and some tuscan snacks.
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You'll have the option to add a first course meal for 8 Euros each
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You can let them know during the tour.​
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You'll have the option to buy bottles directly from the winery.
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I have arranged transportation for you. The hosts will come get you in Florence and drop you off at the end. You need to meet them In front of the National Library, at the Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, at 10:45 am. (15 min walk, plan accordingly)
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If you need to contact them, you can reach Federico at +39 328 108 5749
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Wine Tasting - Part II. - June 4th, 1:30 PM to 7:30 PM
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This will be a chance to see Tuscan landscapes, hills and vineyards. You will visit a beautiful winery villa and a small local family winery, where you will have the chance to learn about production, visit the cellars and taste their wines, paired with traditional Tuscan appetizers and extra virgin olive oil. Then, you will visit Montefioralle, a Medieval village nestled in the hearth of Chianti. After that, you will arrive in Greve in Chianti and admire its unique square. This is the capital of Chianti Classico wine area. there you will visit the historical butcher shop where you will sample some of their products and enjoy an Aperitivo.
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The experience includes transportation. Meet the rest of the group at Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, at 1:30PM. It is about a 15 minute walk from the apartment. Please plan accordingly.
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Cooking Class - June 5th, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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This will be a chance to learn secrets to achieve an amazing pasta dough like in a Michelin star restaurant. Your chef has worked in a Michelin rated restaurant, and is now sharing his passion for pasta via this experience. You will start with a little introduction to the ingredients, and then will prepare your own pasta from scratch! (Tortelli, Tagliatelle, Fettuccine and a lot more), also sauces. In total you will make and taste about 3-4 different pasta dishes.
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The experience will be at "Pasta Class Florence" located at Via degli Alfani, 18 Red. This is about a 20 minute walk. Please plan accordingly. ​​
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Venice, Italy
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The famous Venice awaits for you. This lovely unique city will be all yours for 24 hours. Make the most of it.
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Check out this page by Culture Trip that lists some of the main sites and things to do in the city, specially in a short visit. Or you can simply walk around, enjoy the beauty, and have fun eating and drinking.
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HOTEL
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You will be staying at the beautiful Ruzzini Plaza Hotel an elegant place located in the middle of the canal city.
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Location: Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 5866, 30122 Venezia VE, Italia
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Classic Double Room. Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Note: 9 Euros will be collected at check in
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​No scheduled activities in this location.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
COVID Country Information
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Welcome to the beautiful Santorini. Perhaps the most famous island of Greece. Great views, fine dining, and a lot of tradition.
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Check out this page by the Villa that lists important information about Santorini, and their recommendations on things to visit while in the island. You can also coordinate with their guest service representative any additional activities you might want to do. They recommend doing it before you arrive since it is a busy season. I can also help if you have any requests. Some options are (dinner reservations • luxury yachting cruises (semi private or private) • dinner at the villa with a private chef • wine tasting tours • daily excursion at the archaeological site of Akrotiri • sightseeing tour by helicopter • sea kayaking • scuba diving • horse riding by the extraordinary Vlychada Beach • photoshoot around the island • massage and yoga • spa etc.)
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COVD Testing - For those not bringing their own testing kits, you can walk to the pharmacy and get tested. No reservation required. Remember Antigen tests need to be within 24hrs.
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VILLA
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You will be staying at the beautiful Lydia Cave House, a gorgeous traditional home, remodeled for visitors. Located in the main villa of the Island, Oia.
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Location: Oia 847 02.
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A three level, three bedroom house, with a plunge pool, and killer view. Breakfast is available at the house for a cost of $25, or you can get it in one of the cafes near the house. You could also buy groceries if you would like to have food at the house.
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If you wish to contact the Guest Service Team, you can reach them at +30 22860 72246 or at infomvass@gmail.com
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Charly's Apartment
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Charly will be staying in an airbnb near the Villa (2 minute walk). Her hostess name is Maria. She will be meeting Charly at the Post Office as well, but she asks to please confirm when you are arriving so she can come meet you. Maria can be contacted at +30 6944605416
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ACTIVITY
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Sailing Day Experience - June 9, from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
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This is your chance to enjoy the sea and take in all the views. Your day starts with a ride from the house to the port. Then you will set sail from the southern port of Vlychada and cruising along the coastline, passing by Red Beach, then by the White Beach, to reach the Mesa Pigadia cove for some swimming. Then head towards the Venetian Lighthouse, the Indian Rock next to astonishing rock formations. Then enter the Caldera of Santorini, a canvas that words cant describe. Sail around the crater of the Volcano, and stop at the Hot Springs for a second swimming session. Then sail to a secluded cove, right next to the Volcano for our last swim, while the crew prepares meal and drinks. The cruise ends at Vlychada port, where the driver awaits to get you back to your hotel.
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Transportation is included. You will be picked up and dropped off after the experience. The meeting point will be the Post Office again. Time of pick up will be 9:10 - 9:20 AM approximately. Other guests will also be picked up along the way.
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FYI, If you wish to avoid waiting, you can catch a taxi and meet them at the Vlychada Marina, "next to the ATM", around 10:15AM. Please let me know if you decide this, so I can inform them. ​
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The name of the host is Leonidas, and the name of the experience is Daily Catamaran Sailing Cruises.
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They recommend you bring:
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Passport or ID
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Sunscreen
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Avoid light colour swimsuit due to iron hue in hot springs
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Windbreaker for Summer, Jacket for Spring
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Sunglasses
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Towels
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Due to winds large hats should be be avoided
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Snack to keep you going until the lunch/dinner
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In Summary Package Details (May 2022):
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All accommodations
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Santorini Villa - 5 nights
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Venice Hotel - 1 night
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Florence Apartment - 4 nights
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Rome Hotel - 1 night
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Dubrovnik Hotel - 2 nights
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Catamaran - 3 nights
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Flights (Including one checked bag each, carry ons, and refundable when available)
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Dubrovnik - Rome
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Venice - Santorini
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Fast Trains (Business Class)
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Rome - Florence
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Florence - Venice
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Activities
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Santorini - Island Hopping
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Tuscany - Wine Tasting
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Tuscany - Wine Tasting
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Tuscany - Cooking Class
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Dubrovnik - Catamaran (Island hopping, visit towns, water sports, etc)
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Transfers
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Santorini - Roundtrip Airport Transfer
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Venice - Roundtrip Water Taxi
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Dubrovnik - Rountrip Airport Transfer
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Rome - Airport Shuttle one way
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Concierge services before the trip. We recommend and help with reservations for additional activities, restaurants, shows, and other things to do. All of this can be planned in advance and pay through us so you don't have to worry paying later
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We would provide as well guidance and recommendations for you to enjoy during your free time.
Thank you
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PREVIOUSLY PRESENTED INFORMATION - Santorini​
​Proposed Itinerary in November/December
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Thursday, May 27 - New York City to Santorini
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Departing Friday - Arriving Saturday
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Four nights in Oia, Santorini. Perhaps the prettiest and most famous town in the island. (Saturday to Wednesday)
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Wednesday, June 1 - Santorini - Venice
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There are nonstop flights from Santorini into Venice, which is close to Florence(Tuscany), and I know you were interested in seeing.
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Departing mid afternoon​
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Nonstop flight.
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Included private water taxi from the airport, and to the train station.
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One night. Enough time to walk around and explore this unique Italian jewel (Wednesday to Thursday)
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Thursday, June 2 - Venice to Florence
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Departing mid afternoon ​
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Train to Florence (1st Class included)​
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Four nights in Florence, which is located in the heart of Tuscany. I have it as one of the options, and it can serve as your home base as you explore vineyards and the beauty of the Tuscany region.
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I looked at other places located more remotely, but it was cleared you would need a car, or be ok with having a very calm and mellow time in a small village. We can still do this, so let me know if you would like me to look at those options instead.
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Thursday to Monday
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Monday, June 6 - Florence to Rome
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Departing midday
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Fast Train to Rome (1st Class included)
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One night. Rome has nonstop flights to Croatia so it gives the perfect excuse to come and take a whole day to walk around the city and see the famous ruines
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Monday to Tuesday
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Tuesday, June 7 - Rome to Dubrovnik
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Departing mid afternoon ​
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Nonstop flight
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Option One (Five nights in Croatia):
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One night in Dubrovnik
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Three night cruise in Catamaran
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One night in Dubrovnik again after the cruise, so you can rest and prepare for flying back to the US.
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NOTE: If you decide not to do catamaran (option one), 5 nights just in Dubrovnik might be too many. I would recommend to spend 3 nights in Dubrovnik, and 2 in Split, OR just do 4 nights in Dubrovnik, and add one night to one of the other destinations. For now, I am just adding the option of 3 nights in Dubrovnik, and 2 in Split. But let me know if you would like to consider just 4 nights instead.
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Option Two ( Five Nights in Croatia):
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Three nights in hotel in Dubrovnik​
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Fast Ferry to Split
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Two Nights in Split
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Sunday, June 12 - Split to New York ​(change)
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Leaving in the morning, and arriving at night. There is a good number of options for flight with just one stop under 15 hours.
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OPTION TWO - Dubrovnik/Split (Coratia)
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Dubrovnik
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Three nights in hotel in Dubrovnik.
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For activities:
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Island hopping day. Elaphite Islands Private boat​. Drinks included.
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Montenegro day trip. Not private
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You can. explore on your own he old town, or I can look into walking tours.
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I will provide more recs closer to the trip.
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I am including private transportation from the airport, and to the Ferry.
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Split
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Fast Ferry to Split.
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Easier to catch taxi to hotel from Ferry I would provide you with the information to give to the taxi driver.
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Two nights in hotel
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For activities
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Day trip to Krka national park, with lunch included.
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You can. explore on your own he old town, or I can look into walking tours.
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I will provide more recs closer to the trip.
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I am including private transportation to Airport.
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Private Catamaran Option
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One option for a private Catamaran would be to reserve all the spots of the 3 night Catamaran Tour I have looked up for you. This option would be about an additional $4000 USD. I am waiting to hear from them if this is possible right now for the May 28th Tour. ​
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Other options for private Catamaran could cost around an additional $5000 USD. Depending on the size and type of boat, it could be more or less. Some things to consider for this option are:
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These rentals are for a week. They won't do less. Even if we only do 5 days, we would still have to pay for the whole week.
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There are many options for boats (Catamaran Yachts). Some would be less than reserving the entire 3 night tour just for you and your friends, even if we pay for the whole week. Nicer boats would be more expensive, etc.
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Price includes not only the boat, but a captain, a hostess who would prepare food, help clean, etc (Not having one could save about $1200). I also included estimates for food, port costs, and extras like snorkeling gear, beach towel rentals, etc.
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I recommend asking your friends if they would be down for the catamaran, about $1000 person (If you are 8 people) . Again we could do up to 7 days, but could be less if schedules don't allow for a full week.
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We would just need to confirm soon as this would impact the rest of the trip. With $8000 we can look at specific options for you to choose from. If you think your group can do more $$, then we can look at options accordingly. Some of the nicest ones I have seen would be around 10k - 11k for the week.​
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There are more options for private boats from Split. Check out if flight options would still be attractive if Split was the destination.
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Accommodations, Activities, and more
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Variety of accommodations. From 4/5 star hotels to airbnbs.
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To note:
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4/5 star hotels tend to be more expensive than good quality hotels.
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For hotels, I looked at only one room for you both. Most if not all, have the options of a large double bed (usually a king) or two twin beds in the room. For similar or better price I could find airbnbs with two bedrooms/two baths.
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In some locations I recommend hotels, specially when only staying one night.
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All photos are from available properties at this time, but keep in mind they might not be available anymore by the time you decide to reserve.
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